Best Practices for Preparing Your Property's Exterior for a Paint Job in Raleigh, NC
Thorough preparation is one of the keys to any successful exterior painting project in Raleigh, NC. In this article, you’ll discover some of the best practices for getting your property’s exterior ready for a fresh coat of paint.
Why You Should Not Skip Preparation
Exterior paint prep work can be more laborious than the actual paint application. Before the paintbrush hits those walls, you’ll need to clean the surface thoroughly, repair any damage, prime your surface, and more. Some painters cut corners or skip adequate preparation to save time and effort, but doing so will only result in a poor paint job.
It is crucial to understand that the quality of prep work significantly impacts the result. If you don’t remove dirt and grime or fix damage, the paint won’t properly adhere to the substrate. As a result, the paint job won’t last as long as it should, which will result in premature repainting. Not preparing the surface also makes it impossible to achieve a flawless finish.
Preparation for an Exterior Painting Job
Exterior painting is often a significant investment, and you want it done right the first time. You want a flawless finish that lasts and boosts your property's curb appeal. You deserve a paint job that protects your property’s exterior from sunlight and moisture. All these results are only possible with thorough preparation.
Here’s how to prepare exteriors for paint!
Inspecting and Repairing Damage
Before anything else, evaluate the condition of your property’s exterior. Are there any visible signs of damage, like rotten wood, missing siding, or cracks in the plaster? These problems can affect the paint job, so you must address them before painting. While you can hire a different team to handle repairs, you’ll soon realize how inconvenient that can become. Instead, consider hiring Raleigh painters who are also skilled in carpentry.
Scraping or Sanding the Surface
You may skip this step if the surface has no existing paint. This step is only necessary when painting over a painted or uneven surface. Before scraping off the paint, however, ensure it is lead-free through lead testing. If the paint contains lead (common in houses built before 1978), don’t scrape it yourself because lead exposure can cause health problems. Instead, hire a certified lead renovation, repair, and painting contractor like Anderson Painting. We’re trained and equipped with the right tools for safe lead paint removal.
Cleaning or Power Washing
Thoroughly clean off the surface once you’re done with repairs. Ensure you remove dirt, dust, grease, or anything that could cause poor paint adhesion. You can use a power washer, especially if the siding is extremely dirty. Use a gentle setting or hire a pro to prevent damage. For tough spots around the windows or baseboards, try scrubbing them softly using a sponge and a solution of warm water and dish soap.
Priming the Surface
Apply a primer on surfaces with stains, wrinkles, or texture. Primers penetrate and seal a surface, allowing the paint to bond properly. A coat of primer is also helpful in achieving even coverage if you’re changing the paint color more than a few shades. However, ensure that the primer you use suits your siding material. Many types of primers are available, but not everything will suit your project. If the choices get overwhelming, ask a pro for help. Better yet, hire a professional painter to handle the entire process of your exterior paint job.
Prepping the House
Professional Raleigh or Wilmington painters can handle surface preparation. However, the prep work for exterior painting doesn’t just involve surface prep. You also need to prepare your home. If you have outdoor pets, it’s a good idea to keep them indoors for the time being or let them spend the day with a pet sitter. Remove any obstacles to improve your painter's mobility. For items you cannot relocate, like shrubs or plants, ensure you cover them with drop cloths or lightweight canvas tarps.
Leave the Pre-Paint Prep Work to the Pros!
Preparing your property’s exterior for a paint job can be a lot of work. Let Anderson Painting handle your exterior painting project in Wilmington or Raleigh, NC, and you won’t have to lift a finger. Our team will thoroughly prepare the surface and guarantee a flawless, lasting finish.
We’re your trusted exterior painters in Raleigh, NC and the surrounding areas. Request a free estimate of your project to get started, or contact us to learn more.
